Arsenal's Transfer Prospects: Which Striker Should Arsene Wenger Target?

Arsenal strikers were solid during 2008-2009; they scored goals, were a tad wasteful, but all in all did the job. Arsenal, at this current point, do not need to chase a striker.

But if Emmanuel Adebayor follows through with his Milan deal and/or Robin van Persie and Arsenal fail to come to contract agreements, then Arsenal will need to purchase a quality striker.

Though they do have Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela, who are bound for glory next season, plus Eduardo returning from his niggling injuries and Andrei Arshavin able to play upfront, Arsenal are in no case short of strikers, though it wouldn't hurt to ask about.

1. David Villa, Valencia, 16 million-27 million

The ideal replacement for van Persie or Adebayor. Villa is an incredible striker with amazing feet, speed, strength, and a lethal shot.

Villa has been the main strike force in the Valencia attack for a number of years now and has stated he adores the type of football Arsenal play. Villa would be expensive, but no doubt worth it.

2. Bafétimbi Gomis, AS Saint-Étienne, eight million-16 million

A pacey striker with an eye for the goal. Gomis has impressed in the French Ligue for a number of years now, and many believe it's time for the Frenchman to strut his stuff in the EPL. Gomis would bring speed and balance to the Arsenal forward line.

3. Carlos Tevez, Manchester United, 25 million-35 million

With Tevez looking certain to leave Old Trafford, Arsenal could use the money from Adebayor's departure (if he leaves) to attempt to sign Tevez.

Tevez has been good this season for United and would hopefully turn the Arsenal attack into a consistent, workhouse scoring machine.

The main question is whether Arsenal want to spend big on a position that they don't really need to spend on.

4. Obafemi Martins, Newcastle United, seven million-12 million

With Newcastle relegated, many of their players will be up for grabs, including Ofabemi Martins. The Nigerian was once considered the next superstar but has struggled with injuries and consistency.

Although he has been wasteful, Martins would be a useful strike option who would add depth and power to the front line.

As with every season, Arsenal will no doubt have injuries, especially to their strikers, so why not bring Martins in on a year or two contract and give him a go?

5. Xisco, Newcastle United, six million-11 million

A tall, imposing striker who would be a cheap and easy buy due to Newcastle's relegation issue. Although he featured rarely this season for the Magpies, I believe the Spaniard has talent and is still relatively young at 22.

6. Tuncay Şanli, Middlesbrough, five million-10 million

Like Xisco and Martins, Tuncay would be cheap and easy due to Middlesbrough relegation issues.

The Turkish striker is quick and strong, and he can score goals in leaps and bounds. He has shown impressive form at Boro and would come in handy when injuries kick in for Arsenal.

7. Hatem Ben Arfa, Olympique Marseille, seven million-14 million

A talented striker who can play either on the wing or up the middle. Ben Arfa is still only 22 but has experience under his belt. He is similar to Arshavin and Samir Nasri, but I think Arfa could become the next Thierry Henry with the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.

8. Sebastian Giovinco, Juventus, 10 million-17 million

Was set to make a summer move to the Gunners in 2008, but sadly it never occurred. Giovinco is similar to Ben Arfa. He is quick, talented, has tricky feet, and can set up and score goals.

9. Jirès Kembo Ekoko, Stade Rennais, three million-nine million

A small but quick striker with a smart footballing brain. Ekoko is still young and is the type of player Wenger could turn into the next big thing.

10. Marouane Chamakh, Bordeaux, five million-12 million

A tricky striker who can score goals. Rumour has it that Wenger has been hugely impressed by Chamakh but is unsure whether to sign the 25-year-old striker.

Wenger should snap up the Bordeaux frontman as soon as possible regardless whether an Arsenal striker departs.